Electric torches



WING G. CHENG V ELECTRIC TORCHES Aug. 18 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 22, 1956 INVENTOR M119 6. Cheng A g- 8, 1959 WING G. CHENG 2,900,493

ELECTRIC TORCHES Filed June 22, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent half to Meyer Manufacturing Company Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong Application June 22, 1956, Serial No. 593,256

Claims priority, application Great Britain November 9, 1955 Claims. (Cl. 240l0.66)

This invention relates to portable electric illuminating devices of the kind supplied by a dry battery and usually termed electric torches. I

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the above kind fitted with a lamp bulb at each end and with a switch for selectively switching on either one of the lamp bulbs and which can be used either as a hand torcht'or, when desired, as a table lamp by standing the device on one end, the lamp at this end being extinguished 'whilstthe lamp at the other end is illuminated, and in which means are provided for ensuring that the switch is not moved accidentaly from the off position to either one of the on positions.

A further object of the invention is to provide simple :and reliable electrical connections between the switch and .1116 two lamps and between the latter and the positive :and negative terminals of the supply battery.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate how :the invention may be carried into effect:

Fig. l is a view in elevation partly in section, of a torch tCOIlStl'llCtiOl'l having a lamp bulb at each end which can be "selectively illuminated and which can be used in the ordimary way as a hand torch or can be stood on one end to ,provide a table lamp.

Figs. la and 1b are respectively end views of the op posite ends of the device;

Figs. 1c and 1d are detail views illustrating the switch in the two different on positions;

.Fig. 2 is a cross-section taken on line IVIV of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a View in sectional side elevation on an enlarged scale of an improved construction in accordance {with the invention incorporated in the lower part of the constructional embodiment shown in Fig. l; t

Fig. 4 is a View in sectional side elevation of further :modifications incorporated in the upper portion of the device shown in Fig. 1, and

Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views showing the elecrtrical connections effected by the switch arrangement shown in Fig. 3 in its two operative positions or settings.

Referring first to the construction shown in Figs. 1, 1a, lb, 10, 1d and Fig. 2, the device illustrated comprises a :substantially cylindrical body 1 of aluminium or other :suitable metal, the lower end of which is flared or extended to form a base or foot. This end of the body 1 is provided with a ring member 2 of moulded plastic or other suitable material serving to secure in position a lens or cover glass 3 and a parabolic reflector 4, the

in the body 1 by rivets and the disc 8 is providedwith ring member 2 being screw threaded into the flared lower 9. As shown more clearly in Fig. 2 the .cup 9 is secured a stamped out tongue 11 engaging with the central pin of the lamp bulb 7.

A metal strip 12 is mounted on the upper face of the cup 9, the positive terminal or stud 13 of a dry battery 14 contained in the body 1 abutting against the strip 12. The disc 8 and the strip 12 are electrically connected together and secured to the cup 9 by means of rivets and the side wall of the cup 9 has a rectangular slot, as shown in Fig. 2, to accommodate a metal slider 15, which is arranged to make electrical contact in one of its extreme positions with the reflector 4, or, in its other extreme position with the disc 8, the slider, when in its inter= mediate position, not affecting either of these contacts.

At the opposite or other end of the body 1 a cylindrical cap of transparent plastic 16 or other suitable material is provided and serves as a shade or lens when the device is employed as a table lamp. Mounted within the cap 16 is a disc 17 of plastic or other insulating material on the lower face of which a metal cup 18 is adapted to abut against the central terminal or pin of an upper lamp bulb 19, a helical spring 20 being interposed between the cup- 18 and the negative end or terminal of the battery 14.

The metal shell or outer terminal of the lamp bulb 19 is screw threaded into a metal shell or socket member 21 which is electrically connected to the casing 1 by a metal strip 22.

One end of a metal strip 23 is connected to the cup 18, this strip extending along the interior of the body 1 and being insulated therefrom as indicated at 24. The switch controlling the supply of current to the lamps 7 and 19 is housed in a casing 25 fixed on the body 1, a push button or knob 26 being slidably mounted on the casing 25.

Within the casing 25 is a spring member 27 having a projection at its centre. The button 26 is provided with two arms 28, 29 (see Fig. 2) which extend through slots in the casing 25 and are secured to the slider 15 which is operated by the button 26.

The outer surface of the cylindrical body 1 is formed with a plurality of fine vertically extending flutes or grooves 33 interrupted by relatively wide and smooth vertical bands 34 and circumferential bands 35, which, in addition to providing an attractive appearance, also enable a good slip-free hand grip.

' The operation of the device is as follows:

With the switch in the position shown in Fig. l neither the lamp 7 nor the lamp 19 is illuminated but when it is desired to use the device as a hand torch the push button 26 is moved into the position shown in Fig. 10 so that a circuit is completed from the positive terminal 13 of the battery 14 through contact strip 12, disc 8, the central pin of lamp 7, the lamp filament, the outer shell of the lamp, reflector 4, slider 15, strip 23, cup 18 and spring 20 to the negative terminal of the battery 14. The lamp '7 is thus supplied with current, and the device operates as an ordinary hand torch.

When on the other hand the device is stood on a table or other horizontal surface with the flared end of the body 1 resting thereon as a base or foot, as shown in Fig. l, the push button 26 may be moved to the opposite extreme position shown in Fig. 1d so that a circuit is completed from the positive terminal 13 of the battery 14 through the strip 11 and disc 8, the slider 15, the body 1,

strip 22, the outer shell of lamp 19, the lamp filament,

the pin or other terminal of the lamp, the cup 18, and the spring 20 to the negative terminal of the battery 14.

In the modified construction shown in Figs. 3 to 6 of the drawings, which modified construction incorporates the features of the present invention, the parts of the torch corresponding to like parts of Figs. l-2 are, in order to facilitate comparison, denoted by similar reference numerals.

As shown in Fig. 3, the push button 26 comprises a hollow sheet metal member provided with a stud 30 made .of plastic or other suitable material, this stud being capable of sliding inwards and being held in its normal position shown in the figure by means of a bow spring 31. A projection 32 in the centre of thespring 31 abuts against a locking stud 33 sliding within a corresponding opening in the casing 25, the outer end of the stud .33 when in its normal position engaging in the opening in the casing 25 but being flush with the outer surface of the casing. The'slider shown in Fig. 1 is replaced by a bridging contact arm 34, which in the off position of the switch occupies the position shown in Fig. 5.

This arm 34 is arranged to co-operate with three .fixed contacts 35, 36 and 37 mounted upon but insulatedfrom the body 1 of the torch.

The fixed contact 35 is connected to and forms part of the conductor strip '23 while fixed contact 36 is connected to a metal disc 38 mounted on the inner face of the plastic cup 9. Fixed contact 37 is formed on one end of a metal strip 39 the other end of which makes contact with the reflector 4 of the lamp 7. The inner end-of the stud 33 slides within a suitable aperture in the bridging contact arm 34 and is resiliently held in the position shown in Fig. 3 by means of a bow-spring 40.

The push button 26 is-mechanically coupled to the arm 34 by short arms or tongues formed on the inner edge of the casing of the .push button 26, these arms extending through slits in the casing 25 as previously described.

The disc '38 has a dished cavity 41 containing a light spring 42 interposed between the base of the cavity 41 and a contact member 43 loosely mounted on a metal disc 44 secured to the outer face of the cup 9 and electrically connected to the disc 38 by metal rivets or -the like 50. The inner or central contact or pin of the lamp 7 engages with the contact member 43 and is thus resiliently connected to the disc 38.

Referring now to Fig. 4, as shown in this figure the electrical connection between the outer terminal or shell of the lamp 19 and the body 1 of the torch is effected by a metal ring 45 having a lug 46 engaging with a metal plate 47 mounted on the outer face of the disc 17 and .provided with a screw threaded socket .for the lamp 19.

The operation of the modified device shown in Figs.

:3 and 4 is-as follows:

out of engagement with the casing 25. The push button 26 can then be slid towards the lamp 19 to cause .the contact arm 34 to assume the position shownvin Fig. .5. A circuit is then completed from the positive terminal of the battery 14 through disc 38, fixed contact 36, contact arm 34, push button 26, the metal shell 1 of the .torch, ring 45, disc 47, lamp 119 to .the negative .terminal of the battery .14.

In order to extinguish the lamp19 it is only necessary .to move the push button ,26 downwards, i.e. away from the lamp 1'9 to the position shown in Fig. 3 in whichthe push button is again automatically locked by the stud 33 which reengages in vthe aperture in the casing 25.

When it is desired to use the deviceas a hand torch,

the push button 26 is again released by depressing the stud30 and is displaced in the opposite direction in order to bring the bridging contact arm 34 into the position :shown in Fig. 6. -A-circuit is then completed from the positive terminal of-thebattery 14 through disc 38, disc 44, contact 43, lamp 7, reflector 4, strip 39, fixed contact 37, contact arm 34, fixed contact35, strip 23,:cup 18 to the negative terminal of the battery 14.

If desired, the lens cap 16 utilised in all forms of the invention may be made of transparent or translucent material or coated with phosphorescent material so that the position of the device can be readily observed even in darkness.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A portable electric illuminating device supplied by a dry battery and comprising a tubular body to receive the dry battery, one end of said tubular body being formed so as to constitute a foot or base on which the device can stand on a supporting surface such as a table, two electric lamp bulbs fitted respectively one at each end of said body portion, means for electrically connecting said lamp bulbs to said battery, said means comprising two alternative energising circuits each of which is associated with one of said lamp bulbs, and a switch for selectively controlling the supply of energising current from said battery to one or other of said alternativecircuits to illuminate the lamp bulb associated therewith, said switch having a neutral position in which it disconnects both of said alternative circuits from said battery, a fixed .casing mounted on the outside of and extending outwardly from said tubular body, a bridging contact arm slidably mounted on the inside of said fixed casing, outwardly of said tubular body, said arm constituting the movable part :of said switch, a push button slidably mounted .on said fixed casing and mechanically coupled to .said bridging contact arm, and a locking vdevice for normally retaining said bridging contact arm in a hentral or off position, said locking device comprising a stud fixed .on said bridging contact arm so as to be movable therewith and .normally engaging in an opening in said fixed casing, spring means carried on said bridging contact arm and acting on said stud in a direction .to .press it into said opening, and means for releasing said stud from said opening when it is required to move the switch into either one of its two on positions, said release means comprising a stud slidably mounted in said push button in permanent alignment with said looking stud.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said tubular body is made of metal and .further comprising a metal reflector for one of the lamp bulbs and three fixed contacts with which said bridging contact arm is arranged to co-operate, one of the said fixedcontacts being connected to said reflector, asecond fixedcontact being connected to the positive terminal of said battery, and the third fixed contact being connected to the-negative terminal of the battery, the arrangement being such that said bridging contact arm, according to its position, effects electrical connection between the body of the torch and the said second fixed contact, or alternatively, electrical connection between the first and third fixed contacts, substantially as described.

3. A deviceasclaimed in claim 1 in which said tubular body is made of metal and further comprising a metal reflector for one vof the .lamp bulbs and three fixed contacts with which said bridging contact arm is arranged to .co-operate, one of the said fixed contacts being connected to said reflector, a second fixed contact being connected to the positive terminal of said battery, and. the third fixed .contactbeing connected to the negative terminal of the battery, the arrangement being such that said-bridging contact arm, according to its position, effects electrical connection between the body of the torch and the said second fixed contact or, alternatively,

.electrical connection between the first and third fixed contacts, the electrical connection between the second fixed-contact and the positive terminal of the battery comprising a spring pressed contact member disposed "between was to connect electrically an adjacent lamp 'terminaland the said--positive terminal ofthe battery.

-'4. Adevice as claimed in claim 1 in-which said tubucontacts with which said bridging contact arm is arranged to co-operate, one of the said fixed contacts being connected to said reflector, a second fixed contact being connected to the positive terminal of said battery, and the third fixed contact being connected to the negative terminal of the battery, the arrangement being such that said bridging contact arm, according to its position, efiects electrical connection between the body of the torch and the said second fixed contact or, alternatively, electrical connection between the first and third fixed contacts, the electrical connection between the second fixed contact and the positive terminal of the battery comprising two metal plates or discs secured on opposite sides of an insulating member and electrically connected together, one of said plates being in electric contact with the positive terminal of the battery and the other plate being formed with an aperture, a cup-shaped contact member formed with a flange which seats on the edge portion of said aperture so as to depend therefrom above the terminal of the lamp bulb associated with said reflector and a spring located on said cupshaped member and hearing at one end on said plate which is in contact with said positive battery terminal, and operating to press said cup-shaped contact member into electrical contact with said lamp bulb terminal which terminal is connected through said reflector with the fixed contact connected to said reflector.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which said tubular body is made of metal and further comprising a metal reflector for one of the lamp bulbs and three fixed contacts with which said bridging contact arm is arranged to co-operate, one of the said fixed contacts being connected to said reflector, a second fixed contact being connected to the positive terminal of said battery, and the third fixed contact being connected to the negative terminal of the battery, the arrangement being such that said bridging contact arm, according to its position, efiects electrical connection between the body of the torch and the said second fixed contact, or alternatively, electrical connection between the first and third fixed contacts, the electrical connection between said third fixed contact and the negative terminal of the battery comprising two metal contact members in electrical contact with one another and disposed respectively on opposite sides of an insulating plate, one of said contact members being in electrical contact with said third fixed contact and the other said contact member being formed with a screw-threaded aperture to receive one of said lamp bulbs, and a metal spring disposed between and bearing against said last mentioned contact member and against the negative terminal of the battery.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,203,576 Broadhead Nov. 7, 1916 1,291,710 Arter Jan. 21, 1919 1,671,744 Rosenberg May 29, 1928 2,181,447 Ayotte et al. Nov. 28, 1939 2,358,867 Madan Sept. 26, 1944 2,459,693 Gordon Jan. 18, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS 700,958 Great Britain Dec. 16, 1953 

